Dog euthanized after killing rabid skunk

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Staff report
A lab mix named Tippy has been euthanized after killing a rabid skunk.
Rowan County’s 14th case of rabies this year occurred off Miller Road.
Kim McLendon, of 5050 Miller Road, called Rowan County Animal Control on Nov. 7 to report that her dog had killed a skunk that came into the yard.
The dog was not current on its rabies vaccination and was held at the Animal Shelter in quarantine.
After the skunk tested positive for rabies, the dog was euthanized at the owner’s request.
Jim Rich, county animal control officer, said the number of cases so far this year is on par with recent years. Last year, a total of 14 cases were reported for the entire year.
In 2003, a total of 46 incidents occurred involving rabid animals.
This year, the incidents included five skunks, five raccoons, two foxes and two bats.